How to Live is a non-fiction book written by Sarah Bakewell. The book is a biography of the French philosopher and writer, Montaigne. The book explores Montaigne’s life and his philosophy of life, which he calls “the art of living.” The book is divided into three parts, each of which covers a different aspect of Montaigne’s philosophy. The first part covers his childhood and education, the second part covers his travels and experiences, and the third part covers his writing and legacy.
Chapter Summaries
Part 1: Childhood and Education
The first part of the book covers Montaigne’s childhood and education. Montaigne was born into a wealthy family in the south of France in the 16th century. He was educated at home by his father, who was a lawyer. Montaigne was a curious child and was fascinated by the world around him. He was also a very sensitive child and was affected by the death of his brother at a young age.
Montaigne went on to study at the University of Toulouse, where he studied law and philosophy. He was a good student and was known for his intelligence and wit. However, he was also known for his rebelliousness and his refusal to conform to the expectations of his class and society.
Part 2: Travels and Experiences
The second part of the book covers Montaigne’s travels and experiences. Montaigne traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East. He was fascinated by different cultures and ways of life. He was also affected by the death of his best friend, which led him to question the meaning of life and the purpose of existence.
Montaigne’s travels and experiences had a profound impact on his philosophy of life. He came to believe that the key to living well was to live authentically and to be true to oneself. He also came to believe that the only way to truly understand oneself and the world around us was to experience it directly and to observe it closely.
Part 3: Writing and Legacy
The third part of the book covers Montaigne’s writing and legacy. Montaigne is best known for his essays, which he wrote in his spare time. His essays covered a wide range of topics, from philosophy and literature to politics and religion. He was known for his wit and his ability to make complex ideas accessible to a wide audience.
Montaigne’s writing had a profound impact on later writers and thinkers, including René Descartes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. His philosophy of life, which he called “the art of living,” has continued to inspire people to this day.
Conclusion
How to Live is a fascinating book that explores the life and philosophy of Montaigne. The book is well-written and engaging, and it provides a wealth of information about Montaigne’s life and his philosophy of life. The book is also a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the history of philosophy or in the philosophy of life. Overall, How to Live is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the meaning of life and the art of living.
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